PA Sec. of State: Deadline to apply for an absentee ballot is today

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NEW ALEXANDRIA, PA - APRIL 26: Voters arrive to cast their ballots in primary elections at the Simpson Voting House, built in 1891 on April 26, 2016 in New Alexandria, Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is one of five states that is holding their primary elections today. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)

PA Sec. of State: Deadline to apply for an absentee ballot is today

NEW ALEXANDRIA, PA - APRIL 26: Voters arrive to cast their ballots in primary elections at the Simpson Voting House, built in 1891 on April 26, 2016 in New Alexandria, Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is one of five states that is holding their primary elections today. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)

Harrisburg, PA – Secretary of State Pedro A. Cortés reminded voters that today, November 1, is the final day to apply for an absentee ballot.

“As everyone knows, we have a very important General Election coming up on November 8,” Cortés said. “Absentee balloting gives eligible Pennsylvanians who are unable to go to the polls on Election Day the opportunity to exercise their right to vote.”

If voters are planning to request their absentee ballot today, Cortés encouraged them to submit their requests and vote their absentee ballot in person at their County Board of Elections Office.

“Due to recent cutbacks in service by the U.S. Postal Service, anyone who is planning to mail their absentee ballot risks missing the deadline,” Cortés explained.

Completed absentee ballots must be received by their county election offices no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, November 4.

Comprehensive information about absentee ballots, including a downloadable request form, can be found at the Department of State’s website votesPA.com.

Applicants will be asked to supply basic voter registration information and to specify a reason for applying to vote absentee.

Absentee ballots may be cast by deployed members of the military, Pennsylvania students attending out-of-state colleges or universities, individuals with illnesses or disabilities, and individuals who will be away from their municipality on business on Election Day.

Pennsylvanians applying for an absentee ballot must provide their driver’s license or PennDOT ID number. If they do not have a driver’s license or PennDOT ID, they must give the last four digits of their Social Security number. If a voter has neither, he or she must present a copy of an acceptable photo ID. A list of approved alternative types of identification is available at votesPA.com.

An absentee voter can designate someone else to deliver the absentee application and ballot if he or she is physically unable to do so. Certification of Designated Agent forms are also available online.